PM Modi inaugurates Kosi mega rail bridge: All you need to know

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the 1.9 km Kosi Mahasetu (mega-bridge) along with 12 other railway projects across Bihar through video-conferencing. The mega bridge has been a much-awaited project for the people of Kosi and Mithilanchal regions who have waited for 86 years.
Inaugurating the 'mahasetu', PM Modi said that Bihar created history today in railway connectivity with the launch of Kosi Mahasetu and Kiul Bridge along with dozen other projects which will contribute to Railway electrification, promoting Make in India in Railways and more job creators.
"I would like to quote some facts about the speed with which work is being done on Bihar's Railway network. Before 2014, only 125 crore new railway lines were started in Bihar. Whereas in the following 5 years, nearly 700 km of railway lines have been commissioned," said the PM.
Here is all you need to know Kosi Mahasetu:
* The Kosi mega railway bridge constructed for Rs 516 crore is strategically placed and gives quick access to the Indo-Nepal border area close to Saharsa, Supaul and Araria districts by linking them with the Mithilanchal region.
* The mega rail bridge will also facilitate long-distance travel benefits by train for the people up to Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai.
* In 1887, a meter gauge link was built in between Nirmali and Bhaptiahi (Saraigarh) which was washed away during the heavy flood and severe Indo Nepal earthquake in 1934.
* Thereafter due to meandering nature of river Kosi no attempt was made to restore this Rail link for long period, said the government.
* The Kosi mega bridge line project was sanctioned by the Centre during 2003-04.
* The Kosi rail mahasetu is 1.9 km long and its construction cost is Rs. 516 Crore. This bridge is of strategic importance along the India-Nepal border.
* The project was completed during the Covid-19 pandemic with participation of the migrant labour in its completion.